Air conditioners are an integral part of every commercial space. Those in the corporate world depend on air conditioners to boost indoor air quality and make indoor conditions habitable. Like residential AC systems, commercial AC systems come in many sizes, types, and configurations. Choosing a commercial air conditioner that fits your building’s comfort needs is a complex puzzle, but business owners can solve the puzzle by sampling systems from different brands. As a service manager or business owner, consider the following factors before choosing an air conditioner for your commercial building.
Decide What Kind of AC to Buy
Commercial property owners are privileged to have three central AC systems to compare. Traditional split AC systems are the standard option. They are available as multi-split or single-split systems. Single-split units have a distinct evaporator coil, compressor, and furnace and are mostly suited for single properties and smaller buildings. Multi-split air conditioners have multiple indoor components linked with an outdoor system and are great for malls, stores, and big corporate properties. Traditional commercial units have ductwork delivering cooled and heated air into the interior spaces.
Hybrid heat pumps are advanced versions of the standard heat pumps. They have a furnace and an air conditioning unit, which work to keep your commercial spaces comfortable throughout the year. Hybrid heat pumps are more powerful and reliable than standard heat pumps and have the capacity to keep areas hot during winter and cold during summer. You can install hybrid heat pumps in retail centers, gyms, malls, and schools.
Packaged air conditioning systems are the last choice of AC units for corporate buildings. These AC units are installed on the outside. They generate less sound when running and provide the comfort and indoor air quality your clients and staff need. Packaged AC units come as single units installed outside of your building, especially on the roof. The systems work by delivering the heated or cooled air into your commercial building through a duct network.
The Size of the AC Unit
Proper sizing is a fundamental factor for commercial property owners when purchasing an AC unit. Whether installing an AC system in your newly constructed commercial building or replacing an old unit, proper sizing is an indispensable step to pay attention to. An oversized AC unit uses more spacing, consumes more energy, and generates exceptionally high indoor humidity. As for smaller AC units, they will not heat or cool your commercial building.
Proper sizing of commercial AC units is a job only made for experienced commercial HVAC contractors. Whether it is a multi-family property, small business building, grocery store, or commercial office, Beyer Mechanical can help you size the commercial AC unit to provide efficient comfort levels to your facility. Our committed and experienced technicians will assess your property to know how many air conditioner units are needed and where to place the systems to deliver optimal comfort levels. We also recommend top-tier air conditioning products to provide optimal commercial comfort.
Upfront and Operational Costs
Commercial-level air conditioners cost more than residential units. The cost of air conditioners for commercial spaces depends on the following factors:
- Size of AC unit
- Complexity of installation work
- Type of unit
- Brand and manufacturer
- Condition of unit
- Power rating of unit
Air conditioning units from top-tier brands cost more initially but are cheaper to maintain. More affordable air conditioners from unverified brands will be more affordable upfront but are more costly to maintain. It is important to realize that bigger units will cost more to purchase, install, and maintain than smaller ones. However, that is only practical if you have a small office and will not need multiple air conditioning units. Speak with a qualified HVAC contractor to help you select a good-quality air conditioning unit that meets your performance needs and budget.
The Air Conditioner’s Tonnage
Another notable factor to consider when buying a business air conditioning unit is its tonnage. The cooling capacity of your air conditioning unit largely determines your commercial electric consumption. It is unwise to buy an AC unit before checking its tonnage. You should realize that installing a low-tonnage air conditioner in a large room will cost you more on energy bills. The low-tonnage air conditioner will require more time to cool your building.
Furthermore, an air conditioning unit with low cooling capacity will be unreliable because it will not cool your commercial space efficiently. You want to buy an air conditioner with the right tonnage, depending on the amount of cooling work it will be performing. Besides the AC unit’s tonnage, check its power consumption rates. Some air conditioners need high voltage to cool your spaces efficiently, while others work well with low voltage. Look for a commercial air conditioner with a high rating for efficiency use and low energy consumption.
The Condenser Material
It is important to understand a business air conditioning unit’s basic features and details that make it more durable. You want to buy a commercial AC unit that can withstand heavy use and serve you for more years. One of the top features that determine the durability of a business-level AC unit is the condenser and coils.
Most AC systems have copper or aluminum condensers. Both materials are good and will serve you for some years before they fail. However, aluminum condensers tend to give up after a few years of service. Also, aluminum condensers are cheaper and easier to replace. Copper condensers are more durable and reliable and can serve you for more years. However, they are costly to buy and install. The durability of your AC unit will also depend on the quality of other components and the overall craftsmanship of the air conditioner.
Extra Features and Considerations
Many other features make an AC unit an excellent option for your commercial business. Start by checking the additional smart functions and features your air conditioning unit has. Look for a unit with anti-bacteria filters, copper coils, and an auto-clean function. The anti-bacteria filter cleans indoor air of all pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and bacteria.
The cooling and heating feature helps keep your clients and workers cozy during the cold months. Some units have built-in heat, but that comes at an extra price. Units with an auto-clean function can effortlessly prevent moisture accumulation and the growth of microorganisms. The dehumidifier is also an important feature for protecting against excess moisture that can create grounds for mold to grow. The sleep mode is a good feature for you to cut your energy bills.
Look to the Experts
It is essential to keep these factors in mind when exploring the commercial AC market to compare deals from different suppliers. For help with sizing and picking the best air conditioning unit for your commercial building, talk with our experienced technicians at Beyer Mechanical. We are a top-leading commercial HVAC contractor in San Antonio, serving the surrounding areas and known for offering exceptional HVAC services. We offer maintenance, installation, and repair of commercial air conditioners as well as energy management and different levels of preventative maintenance. Give us a call to request an appointment today!
